Engaging Regional Leadership
Economic Development plays a significant role in engaging with regional leadership to address opportunities in our area. It facilitates crucial connections between the university and the community, identifying, for example, needs in the workforce and how the university is training the next generation to fill those gaps. Through partnerships with industry, Economic Development efforts provide Learn by Doing experiences for students, which is core to Cal Poly’s ethos.
Economic Development focuses on four areas to make an economic impact: the blue/green economy, space commercialization, innovation industries and regional engagement. As a trusted leader, Cal Poly collaborates and pushes forward complex initiatives that advance research and development while mutually benefiting our region, faculty, and students.
Central Coast Clean Energy Innovation Hub RFP
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and REACH invite qualified consulting teams to submit proposals for the development of a comprehensive Central Coast Clean Energy Innovation Hub. Funded through the State of California’s SB 846 Diablo Canyon Parcel P Reuse Grant program, this initiative will build on the region’s unique assets—at Diablo Canyon and across the Central Coast—to create a unified vision and actionable strategy for clean energy innovation.
The selected team will lead the creation of a forward-looking master plan alongside a prioritized, implementation-ready portfolio of projects. This work will help align regional partners, accelerate economic development, and expand workforce opportunities tied to emerging clean technology and blue economy industries.
Through this effort, the Central Coast is poised to strengthen its position as a leader in the next generation of clean energy—driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and delivering long-term regional impact.
Karen Tillman
Associate Executive Director of Economic Development and Advisor to the President
Building 1, Room 413
1 Grand Ave San Luis Obispo, CA 93407